Venezuela has declared a state of emergency as the death toll from two major earthquakes that brought down buildings in Caracas on Wednesday night reached at least 164, but most energy infrastructure was spared.
The disaster comes as Venezuela has been trying to rebuild its economy and crude production since the US lifted sanctions earlier this year, in the wake of removing former president Nicolas Maduro from power.
The government confirmed the latest estimated death toll and estimated that at least 971 were injured in an update on Thursday morning.
Venezuela suspended operations at the Simon Bolivar airport, non-essential activities including schools and cut natural gas supply to Caracas to reduce the chance of explosions. Some looting has been reported in the hardest-hit areas, and residents on social media have complained of little immediate government presence or help.
Venezuela's government said it would begin rescue and rebuilding efforts immediately with the help of many countries that offered aid.
US agencies will "get ready to move quickly" to "be there for our new and great friends" in Venezuela, US president Donald Trump said on social media.
The US will send search-and-rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies and other aid, the US State Department said.
Venezuela's government said the US "has been in constant contact with Venezuelan authorities, offering support and solidarity". Rodriguez also thanked many other countries that have reached out to offer aid, including Brazil, Mexico and Guyana — with which it has a border dispute — and Russia and Cuba, which have conflicted with the US over their interests in Venezuela.
Production areas unaffected
No energy production operators have reported major impacts on crude production infrastructure, but assessments continue.
Venezuela's oil operations are concentrated roughly 400km (250mi) east of the capital where its Orinoco heavy oil belt starts and also 520km west of Caracas around Lake Maracaibo, outside of the areas most hit by the earthquakes.
Chevron, the largest non-state operator, said that all of its employees are accounted for and it remains operational.
"We remain committed to supporting our employees and the communities surrounding our facilities and ensuring the continued safe operation of our assets," Chevron said.
The headquarters in Caracas and operations of state-owned PdV were also not affected, the company said. It has told non-essential workers to stay home for now.
"There were no damages to the La Campiña headquarters and nothing major from operational areas," PdV said. "Eastern Venezuela was largely spared ... and that is where the bulk of oil and gas production is coming from currently."
Venezuela produced about 1.2mn b/d of crude in June after being at 1.1mn b/d for several months, as Trump has pushed for US and other oil companies from allied countries to invest there.
